There's something about sewing by hand, that makes me feel in touch with the past. So on Monday evening, I sat down to watch a documentary about Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. In my lap, I worked on a project I've been at for a couple years.

The quilt I'm piecing together is made up of fabric squares, decorated by adults and children I've volunteered with, while on travels around the country. The red square in the middle was personalized by Mary Ann from Gee's Bend, Alabama.

As I stitched, I absorbed details about Dr. King and his early involvement with the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's. I was reminded of Rosa Parks and her brave refusal to give up her bus seat... and Dr. King's involvement with the bus boycott. And when I saw the red square I was reminded of the poor community of Gee's Bend, which is made up of descendants of slaves who worked the plantation. Mary Ann's written words reminded me of her amazing quilting skills as well as her story of Dr. King coming to speak at their small Baptist Church.

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April 9, 2014...My BYB!

I don't remember the 1950's, since they ended when I was 2. But since I turned 57 today and this is my BYB (Birth Year Birthday) I'm going to just appreciate the flavor of 1957! My goal is to celebrate in at least 57 simple ways throughout the year! I will dabble in the fashion, the foods, the music and the culture of those times...just for the fun of it!